Brewers have stepped in to show their support for a fund-raising ball for the RNLI by producing a special ball.

James and Andrew Booker of Lytham Brewery heard about plans for the Cockle Ball and were keen to help out.

James said: “As soon as we heard about the event, we wanted to show our appreciation of our RNLI and we got to work preparing a beer that will only be available to guests attending on the evening.”

The blonde 3.8 per cent abv beer is called Warrior inspired by the poem, Warriors of the Sea, written by Clement Scott after the Mexico disaster in 1886, when 27 lifeboatmen from St Annes and Southport crews lost their lives.

To this day, it is the worst disaster in RNLI history.

“We just thought the name was appropriate as our volunteer lifeboat crews are warriors and the work they do on our behalf deserves all of our support and thank,” said James.

The brewers will be delivering two free kegs for the evening and Cockle Ball on Friday at AKS Lytham.

Organiser Paul Rowley said: “We are overwhelmed really by the huge number of local business people who have called to offer prizes for the auction and raffle.

“It is going to be a great night, with fantastic entertainment, great food and of course a great drop of beer and we are hopeful of raising a lot of money for RNLI kit and training.”

Tickets are £45 each and are available from Brett Davis on 07950 907677.